Shorty’s Toco Hill: A Neighborhood Spot for Pizza and International-Inspired Eats in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and hear people talk about Shorty’s Toco Hill, they’re usually referring to a cozy neighborhood restaurant known for creative pizzas, Mediterranean‑leaning flavors, and a relaxed, local feel. It sits just northeast of Midtown in the Toco Hill area, convenient to Emory, Decatur, and North Druid Hills.

While it’s often thought of as a pizza place, the menu and vibe fit nicely into Atlanta’s international cuisine scene: influences from Italy, Greece, and the wider Mediterranean show up in both the food and the wine list.

Where Shorty’s Toco Hill Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Shorty’s at Toco Hill is a good example of how international cuisine in Atlanta often blends comfort food with global inspiration rather than serving strictly “traditional” dishes.

At a high level, you can think of it as:

• A pizza-focused restaurant with a wood-fired or stone-baked style
• Strong Mediterranean and European influences
• A neighborhood hangout more than a special-occasion fine-dining spot

If you live nearby or are staying near Emory University, CDC, or the North Druid Hills corridor, it’s one of the more convenient sit-down options that still feels local and distinct from big chains.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Neighborhood: Toco Hill / North Druid Hills
This area sits between Decatur, Brookhaven, and the Emory/CDC cluster.

Because Toco Hill is a busy shopping-and-dining pocket, it’s relatively easy to add Shorty’s to your day:

• Driving: Close to LaVista Rd NE and North Druid Hills Rd. Convenient from:
  • I‑85 via North Druid Hills Rd
  • I‑285 via LaVista Rd
• Parking: Typically shopping-center style surface parking, which is helpful in an area where street parking can be limited.
• Rideshare: A common choice if you’re coming from Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Decatur, or Inman Park and want to avoid traffic and parking altogether.

If you’re comparing locations in your head, Toco Hill is roughly:

• About 10–15 minutes from Emory/CDC in typical traffic
• Around 15–25 minutes from Midtown depending on time of day
• About 10–20 minutes from downtown Decatur

Hours and exact directions can shift over time, so it’s smart to confirm via a quick phone call or map search before you head over.

What Kind of Food Does Shorty’s Serve?

Shorty’s is generally known for:

• Artisan-style pizzas
• Internationally inspired toppings and shareable starters
• A Mediterranean/Eastern European tilt in flavors and ingredients
• A wine and beer selection that pairs easily with pizza and small plates

While menus can change, here’s what you can typically expect.

Pizza with International Flair

Most Atlanta diners go to Shorty’s for the pizza. Think:

• Thin or moderately thin crusts with some char from a hot oven
• Topping combinations that go beyond basic pepperoni and cheese
• Ingredients that might include:
  • Feta, goat cheese, or aged European-style cheeses
  • Olives, artichokes, roasted peppers
  • Prosciutto or cured meats
  • Fresh herbs and olive oil

This is where the “international cuisine” angle is strongest: the pizzas often borrow from Italian, Greek, and broader Mediterranean flavor profiles without feeling overly formal or traditional.

Starters and Shareables

You may also find:

• Salads with Mediterranean-inspired dressings or toppings
• Bruschetta-style bites, dips, or flatbread starters
• Seasonal or rotating appetizers that pull from international ideas

For an Atlanta group that includes both adventurous eaters and “plain cheese pizza only” folks, the menu tends to be flexible enough that everyone can find something.

Drinks

Shorty’s usually offers:

• Beer: A mix of domestic, international, and regional craft options
• Wine: By the glass or bottle, often including European and Mediterranean labels
• Non-alcoholic options: Sodas, tea, and basic soft drinks

It’s not a bar-first concept, but the drinks list is designed to support lingering over a meal or catching up with friends or coworkers.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Atlanta’s international restaurants come in many forms, from polished Buckhead dining rooms to tiny Buford Highway storefronts. Shorty’s Toco Hill sits somewhere in the middle:

• Casual and family-friendly: You’ll see families, couples, and groups of friends.
• Neighborhood energy: Many diners are regulars from the surrounding Toco Hill, North Druid Hills, and Decatur neighborhoods.
• Not overly formal: Jeans and a T-shirt are completely normal.
• Good for conversation: Typically more of a chat-and-linger environment than a loud nightlife spot.

This makes it a practical choice if you:

• Want a sit-down meal near Emory or Decatur that isn’t a chain
• Are meeting friends who live in different parts of intown Atlanta and need a central-ish spot
• Prefer casual places where you can sample globally influenced food without a long tasting menu or dress code

When Shorty’s Toco Hill Works Well for Atlanta Diners

Here are some realistic Atlanta scenarios where Shorty’s fits nicely:

1. Dinner After Errands at Toco Hill

If you’re already at Toco Hill Shopping Center or nearby grocery stores and specialty shops, it’s convenient to walk over and:

• Grab a quick pizza
• Relax with a glass of wine or beer
• Share a salad and a couple of appetizers

This is common for local residents who treat it as their “we’re already in the area” go-to.

2. Meeting in the Middle

Friends or coworkers coming from:

• Brookhaven or Buckhead
• Decatur or Avondale Estates
• Midtown or Virginia-Highland

often look for something in between. Toco Hill can be a reasonable middle ground, avoiding the heavier Downtown and Midtown parking/tourist congestion.

3. Pre- or Post-Event Meal

If you’re attending something near:

• Emory University (lectures, arts events, graduation weekends)
• CDC or nearby medical facilities
• Local synagogues and community centers around Toco Hill

Shorty’s can function as a pre-event meal spot or a relaxed place to decompress afterward.

Practical Tips for Visiting Shorty’s Toco Hill

A few points that are particularly relevant if you’re planning around Atlanta traffic and schedules:

Consider Traffic Patterns

Atlanta traffic can be heavy along North Druid Hills Rd and connecting routes during:

• Weekday rush hours (approx. 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.)
• Rainy evenings or game nights when people are cutting through neighborhoods

If you’re meeting a group, consider:

• Booking a slightly earlier or later time than the standard 6:30–7:00 p.m. dinner slot
• Using rideshare if you’re staying in Midtown or Downtown and don’t want to park

Check Current Hours

Restaurant hours in Atlanta can shift due to:

• Season
• Staffing
• Local events or holidays

It’s sensible to confirm current hours by phone or a quick map search before you drive over, especially if you’re planning late-night or very early visits.

Group-Friendly, But Still Casual

If you’re organizing:

• A small birthday gathering
• A casual work dinner
• A meet-up after a local event

Shorty’s style usually works for small to medium-sized groups. For larger parties, calling ahead is often helpful so the restaurant can suggest:

• Best times to arrive
• Whether they can push tables together
• Any limitations on particularly busy nights

Quick Snapshot: Shorty’s Toco Hill at a Glance

How Shorty’s Fits Into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Landscape

Atlanta is known for:

• Buford Highway’s deeply traditional international eateries
• Upscale global concepts in Buckhead and Midtown
• Neighborhood spots that blend local tastes with international ideas

Shorty’s Toco Hill fits that third category: it’s not trying to replicate a single country’s cuisine exactly. Instead, it takes familiar formats (pizza, salads, sharables) and layers in Mediterranean and European touches that resonate with many Atlanta diners.

For someone in Atlanta looking for internationally inspired food without leaving the comfort of a neighborhood pizza place, Shorty’s offers:

• A recognizable menu with a global twist
• A location that’s practical for everyday life
• An environment suited to both locals and out-of-town visitors staying nearby

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting friends at Emory, or are exploring the Toco Hill/North Druid Hills area and want something that feels local with an international edge, Shorty’s Toco Hill is one of the more approachable choices to put on your list.